A veteran detention officer, 56-year-old Francisco Paul Flattes II, was fatally shot on June 30, 2025, in Murphy, North Carolina, while escorting a federal inmate to an orthopedics clinic at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital. According to reports, a struggle broke out during the medical visit; the prisoner overpowered the escorting officers, seized an officer’s service weapon and shot Flattes II. A second officer suffered non-gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

Investigators identified the suspect as 48-year-old Kelvin Simmons, described as a federal inmate who had been transported for treatment and who had a prior escape history. After the shooting Simmons reportedly fled by jumping into a vehicle, driving east, and was located a few hours later in neighboring Macon County; he was taken into custody after a brief standoff and was to face a first-degree murder charge. Public tributes and memorial notices recorded Flattes II’s name, age, and four years of service with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

If anyone knew Francisco Paul Flattes II or witnessed the events at the clinic or the subsequent movements in Murphy and Macon County, please come forward with information.